Part profile input method

ABSTRACT

A method for inputting a part profile which includes a standard or repeating shape. If a pattern profile input is requested at the time of a part profile input operation, a profile menu is displayed in a software key area (13b). When a pattern profile is selected by the profile menu, the selected pattern profile, e.g., a pattern view (CGP) of a series of grooves is displayed in conversational screen display area (13a) and a message (DQS) calling for various dimensions is displayed. The profile of the series of grooves is specified based on data entered in response to the message.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

a. Field on the Invention

This invention relates to a part profile input method for entering apart profile using arrow keys and, more particularly, to a part profileinput method for specifying a part profile which includes a repeatingshape and standard shape.

b. Description of the Related Art

An automatic programming system is available in which a conversationaldisplay and a function key (soft key) display are each presented inaccordance with each step of a plurality of data input steps, a specificfunction key (soft key) on the function key display is pressed tothereby execute processing conforming to the function, and an NC programis prepared using data input while referring to the conversationaldisplay.

An automatic programming system of this kind, which will be describedwith reference to FIG. 16, creates NC data for a lathe by the followingsteps:

(1) a first step of selecting execution of "AUTOMATIC PROGRAMMING";

(2) a second step of selecting data to be inputted, or in other words, astep to be executed next;

(3) a third step of selecting the material of a blank;

(4) a fourth step of setting surface roughness;

(5) a fifth step of selecting a drawing format;

(6) a sixth step of inputting the blank profile and the dimensionsthereof;

(7) a seventh step of inputting a part profile and the dimensionsthereof;

(8) an eighth step of inputting the machining reference point and turretposition;

(9) a ninth step of selecting a machining process;

(10) a tenth step of selecting a tool and inputting tool data;

(11) an eleventh step of deciding machining conditions;

(12) a twelfth step of inputting cutting direction;

(13) a thirteenth step of inputting cutting limits;

(14) a fourteenth step of inputting whether or not an area is to be cutby the same tool; and

(15) a fifteenth step of computing a tool path (i.e. of preparing NCdata).

In accordance with these steps, predetermined message screens(conversational screens) are successively displayed on a display screen.An operator responds to these messages by entering the necessary datafrom a keyboard. Finally, an NC program (NC data) for a lathe is createdusing all of the entered data.

In the part profile input step (the seventh step) of this automaticprogramming, a prompt (ES= ) calling for a part profile element isdisplayed on the display screen, as shown in FIG. 17. In response tothis prompt, arrow keys (↑, →, ↓, ←, , , , , , ,), a thread-cutting key,a chamfering key (C key), a rounding key (R key), a grooving key (G key)and a corner-removal key, which are provided on a keyboard, are operatedin accordance with the part profile while a design drawing is observed.The part profile is thus input. Whenever a single part profile elementis input using an arrow key, a prompt calling for the dimensions of thiselement is displayed. In response to this prompt, dimensions taken fromthe design drawing are input, whereupon profile element symbols PFS andgraphic images PFG of these profile elements appear on the displayscreen. For example, when linear elements are inputted by pressing thearrow keys indicated by ↑, →, ↓, ←, , , , , prompts appear calling forthe X coordinate (X) of the end point of the straight line, the Zcoordinate (Z) of this end point, whether or not this straight linecontacts the preceding profile element or the next profile element, theangle (A) which the straight line forms with the Z axis, etc. Thedimensions written on the drawing are entered in response to theseprompts. However, when the prescribed dimensions are not written on thedrawing (as in the case of the angle formed with the Z axis, forexample), this input is not required.

When a circular arc is indicated by pressing the arrow keys indicated byand , prompts appear calling for the X and Z coordinates (X,Z) of theend point of the circular arc, the X and Z coordinates (X,Z) of thecenter of the circular arc, the radius R of the circular arc, andwhether the arc contacts the preceding profile element or the nextprofile element. The dimensions written on the drawing are inputted inresponse to these prompts.

When chamfering is indicated by the C key, a prompt calling for theamount of chamfering appears. When rounding is indicated by the R key, aprompt inquiring about the radius of rounding is displayed. In response,the dimensions are entered in similar fashion.

When entry of all profile elements is completed, all of the profileelement symbols PFS of the part profile and the overall part profilefigure PFG are displayed on the display screen.

In the part profile input step, there are cases where it is desired toenter a repeating shape such as a series of grooves or a standardizedshape, e.g., a shape for which the machining profile is standardized asin the case of, for example, a trapezoidal groove or nesting shape. FIG.18 is a view for entering a profile having a series of grooves. In suchcase, in accordance with the conventional part profile input method, anarrow key, grooving key (G key) and, if necessary, the chamfering key (Ckey) and rounding key (R key) provided on the keyboard must be operatedfor every groove, the dimensions of the elements must be enteredwhenever an arrow key is pressed, and the same operations must beperformed repeatedly a number of times equivalent to the number ofgrooves.

Also, when entering a standardized shape such as a trapezoidal groove ornesting shape, the shape must be specified on each occasion using arrowkeys a number of times even though the shape is standardized andfrequently appears.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a partprofile input method in which, when entering a frequently used shape,such as a repeating shape or standardized shape, the speed andoperability of the part profile input operation can be improved byeliminating the laborious task of pressing arrow symbol keys anddimension input keys each time an input is made.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In part profile input method according to the invention, a plurality ofprofile menus for designating the profile patterns of repeating shapesand standardized shapes contained in a part profile are provided, adesired profile pattern is selected using the profile menus, theselected pattern profile is displayed on a display screen, a messageregarding various dimensions is displayed, and a repeating shape orstandardized shape is specified based on data entered in response to themessage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an NC apparatus having an automaticprogramming function for realizing the method of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an external view of a CRT/MDI unit in the NC apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of part profile input processing according to thepresent invention;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are examples of conversational displays of pattern profileselection;

FIGS. 6 through 8 are examples of conversational displays for inputtinga series of groove shapes;

FIGS. 9 through 11 are examples of conversational displays for inputtinga trapezoidal groove shape;

FIGS. 12, 14 and 15 are examples of conversational displays forinputting a nesting corner shape;

FIGS. 13(a) and 13(b) are diagrams illustrating directions for a nestingcorner shape;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of automatic programming processing; and

FIGS. 17 and 18 are views for describing part profile input according tothe prior art.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In FIG. 1, numeral 11 denotes an automatic programming unit, 12 denotesan NC control unit, 13 denotes a graphic display unit (CRT), 14 denotesa keyboard, and 15, 16 denote changeover units. The changeover units 15,16 are illustrated as being switches for the sake of the description. Inactuality, however, changeover is effected by software processing.

The automatic programming unit 11 and NC control unit 12 are ofmicrocomputer construction and incorporate an internal processor, acontrol program memory (ROM) and a RAM.

The graphic display unit 13 and keyboard 14 are integrated into a singleunit, as shown in FIG. 2, which is usually referred to as a CRT/MDIunit. As shown in FIG. 1, the display screen is divided into aconversational display area 13a and a soft key area 13b. Keys 13c, 13c(see FIG. 2)... are provided to correspond to the soft key area.Pressing one of the keys enables the corresponding function displayed inthe soft key area to be inputted. The keyboard 14 has an NCmode/automatic programming mode selection key 14a and a key group 14b,which includes keys serving as both arrow and numeric key, as well asthe C key, R key and G key. Numeral 14c denotes an input key.

Part profile input according to the invention will now be described.

The operator operates the key 14a (FIG. 2) on the keyboard 14 to causethe changeover units 15, 16 to devote the graphic display unit 13 andkeyboard 14 to the automatic programming unit 11. Thereafter, inaccordance with the programming function of the automatic programmingunit 11, processing up to the sixth step is executed conversationally ina manner similar to the flow of the conventional method shown in FIG.16. If a soft key "NEXT PAGE" is pressed in the sixth step, a partprofile input processing routine is started to display the part profileinput screen and make possible a part profile input (see FIG. 4). Hereit is determined whether it is necessary to enter a repeating shape or astandardized shape (step 101).

If it is unnecessary to enter these shapes, the operator, in response toa prompt (ES= ) regarding a part profile element displayed on thedisplay screen, enters a part profile (step 102) by operating the arrowkeys (↑, →, ↓, ←, etc.) provided on the keyboard while observing adesign drawing. Specifically, the operator presses the arrow key "→" inconformity with one part profile element EL₁ and, in response to aprompt calling for dimensions, enters dimensions from the designdrawing. Similarly, the operator presses the arrow keys "↓, →" inconformity with part profile elements EL₂, EL₃ and enters dimensions inresponse to prompts calling for the respective dimensions. In responseto entry of these part profile elements, the processor of the automaticprogramming unit 11 paints the graphic image PFG of each of the partprofile elements on the display screen (CRT) along with the symbols PSFof the part profile elements.

If it becomes necessary to enter a repeating shape or a standardizedshape, the operator selects "PATTERN INPUT" PIN from the soft keydisplay 13b and presses the corresponding soft key 13c (see FIG. 2). Inresponse, the processor displays a menu for pattern profile selectionshown in FIG. 5 on the soft key display 13b (step 103).

Examples of entering "GROOVE SERIES", "TRAPEZOIDAL GROOVE" and "NESTINGCORNER" are part profiles selections will now be described.

(a) Series of groove having equal pitch

When "GROOVE SERIES WITH EQUAL PITCH" is selected in FIG. 5 (step 104),the processor displays a groove series input screen on the display unit(CRT) (step 105; see FIG. 6). It should be noted that the groove seriesinput screen includes a groove series pattern view CGP and a dimensionsmessage DQS.

In the groove series pattern view CGP, EP signifies the end point of apattern profile, EDX the X coordinate thereof, and EZ the Z coordinatethereof. N signifies the number of grooves, and PT signifies one groovepitch. These numerical values are entered. DN signifies the direction ofa groove, this direction being entered by an arrow key. WT representsgroove width and DT groove depth. K₁ - K₄ signify groove cornermachining. The C key is pressed for chamfering and the R key forrounding. No entry is made if corner machining is unnecessary.

The arrangement is such that dimensions indicated by the symbols in thepattern view CGP, as well as other data, can be set by responding to themessage DQS. V₁ - V₄ signify the machining dimensions of the corners setby K₁ - K₄.

The distance from the end point P₀ of a preceding profile element to theend point EP of the pattern profile need not be equal to an N multipleof the pitch PT; the pitch of the final groove will change dependingupon the set value of the end point EP. However, it is required that thefollowing equation be satisfied if the grooves are lined up parallel tothe Z axis:

    |EZ-SZ|≧PT·(N-l)+WT

and that the following equation be satisfied if the grooves are lined upparallel to the X axis:

    |EDX-SDX|/2≧PT·(N-l)+WT

If these equations are not satisfied, an error will result. SZ and SDXsignify the Z and X coordinates of the end point P₀ of the precedingelement, respectively.

In response to the message DQS, the keyboard 14 is operated to key innumerical values and the like, as shown, for example, in FIG. 7, and theexecute key NL is pressed (step 106).

When this is done, the processor of the automatic programming unit 11paints the groove series profile EL₄ on the screen at the end point P₀of the part profile PFG, as shown in FIG. 8. Further, the processorbreaks the defined groove series profile into profile elements one at atime, calculates and stores the dimensions thereof and displays profileelement symbols "G → G → G →". In addition, the soft key display becomesthe same as that shown in FIG. 4, entry of the groove series ends andentry of the next part profile becomes possible (steps 107 - 108).

(b) Trapezoidal groove:

If "TRAPEZOIDAL GROOVE" is selected in FIG. 5, the processor displays atrapezoidal groove input screen on the display unit (CRT) (see FIG. 9).It should be noted that the trapezoidal groove input screen includes atrapezoidal groove pattern view TGP and a dimensions message DQS. In thetrapezoidal groove, pattern view TGP, WA signifies groove width, MBsignifies bottom width, A signifies taper angle, and DT signifies groovedepth. K₁ - K₄ signify groove corner machining. The C key is pressed forchamfering and the R key for rounding. No entry is made if cornermachining is unnecessary.

The arrangement is such that dimensions indicated by the symbols in thepattern view TGP, as well as other data, can be set by responding to themessage DQS. DN represents groove direction, which direction is enteredby an arrow key. V₁ - V₄ signify the machining dimensions of the cornersset by K₁ - K₄.

By way of example, the keyboard 14 is operated in response to themessage DQS to key in numerical values and the like, as shown in FIG.10, and the execute key NL is pressed. When this is done, the processorof the automatic programming unit 11 paints the trapezoidal groove shapeEL₄ on the screen at the end point P₀ of the part profile PFG, as shownin FIG. 11. Further, the processor breaks the defined trapezoidal grooveshape into profile elements one at a time, calculates and stores thedimensions thereof and displays profile element symbols "R R → R R". Inaddition, the soft key display becomes the same as that shown in FIG. 4,entry of the trapezoidal shape ends and entry of the next part profilebecomes possible (step 201).

(c) Nesting corner

If "NESTING CORNER" is selected in FIG. 5, the processor displays anesting corner input screen on the display unit (CRT) (see FIG. 12). Thenesting corner input screen includes a nesting corner pattern view NCPand a dimensions message DQS. In the pattern view NCP, F signifiesnesting width, T nesting depth, R rounding and A taper angle.

The arrangement is such that dimensions indicated by the symbols in thepattern view NCP, as well as other data, can be set by responding to themessage DQS. DD signifies the nesting shape definition direction, whichdirection is entered by an arrow key. If, as shown in FIG. 13(a), pointPA is taken as the starting point and nesting corners NC₁ - NC₄ areinserted in profile entry for arriving at any of points PB₁ - PB₄, then"DD=1" is entered. Conversely, if, as shown in FIG. 13(b), point PB istaken as the starting point and nesting corners NC₁ ' - NC₄ ' areinserted in profile input for arriving at any of points PA₁ - PA₄, then"DD=2" is entered. In the message DQS, P* signifies definition of an endpoint. In case of "DD=1", * is displayed with B; in case of "DD=2", * isdisplayed with A. EDX is the X coordinate of the end point, and EZ isthe Z coordinate thereof.

By way of example, the keyboard 14 is operated in response to themessage DQS to key in numerical values and the like, as shown in FIG.14, and the execute key NL is pressed. When this is done, the processorof the automatic programming unit 11 paints the nesting corner shape EL₄on the screen at the end point P₀ of the part profile PFG, as shown inFIG. 15. Further, the processor breaks the defined nesting corner shapeinto profile elements one at a time, calculates and stores thedimensions thereof and displays profile element symbols "↓ R → R →". Inaddition, the soft key display becomes the same as that shown in FIG. 4,entry of the trapezoidal shape ends and entry of the next part profilebecomes possible (step 301).

In a case where a profile element entered by the foregoing method isrevised or deleted, this is performed one element at a time just as inthe conventional method. When entry of a part profile ends (step 109),the soft key "NEXT PAGE" is pressed to display the next conversionalscreen, after which automatic programming processing is resumed.

In accordance with the present invention as described above, a pluralityof profile menus indicating repeating shapes or standardized shapescontained in a part profile are prepared, and data such as dimensionsare applied to shapes selected from the profile menus to specify therepeating shape or standardized shape. Therefore, when entering afrequently used shape, the speed and operability of the part profileinput operation can be improved by eliminating the laborious task ofpressing arrow symbol keys and dimension input keys each time an inputis made.

We claim:
 1. A part profile input method in a numerical control datacreating apparatus in which a part profile is specified by inputtingprofile elements of a part using arrow keys and inputting coordinatevalues for specifying each of the profile elements, and numericalcontrol data are created to machine a blank in accordance with the partprofile specified, said method comprising the steps of:(a) providing aplurality of profile menus for designating a profile pattern of one of arepeating shape and a standardized shape contained in the part profile;(b) selecting a desired profile pattern using the profile menus providedin step (a); (c) displaying the desired profile pattern selected in step(b) on a display screen and displaying a message to request variousdimensions of the desired profile pattern; (d) specifying one of therepeating shape and the standardized shape based on the variousdimensions entered in response to the message; (e) dividing one of therepeating shape and the standardized shape selected as the desiredprofile pattern in step (b) into separate profile elements; (f)calculating coordinate values for specifying the separate profileelements; (g) storing the coordinate values; and (h) displaying one ofthe repeating shape and the standardized shape in a form attached to thepart profile previously input.
 2. A part profile input method accordingto claim 1, wherein:the repeating shape is a groove series and thestandardized shape is one of a trapezoidal groove and a nesting cornershape.
 3. A part profile input method according to claim 1, wherein step(a) includes the substep of:displaying the profile menus on a firstconversational screen.
 4. A part profile input method according to claim3, wherein step (c) includes the substeps of:displaying a secondconversational screen when the desired profile pattern is selected usingthe profile menus in step (b); and entering the various dimensions ofsaid desired profile pattern in response to said message.